It’s Week 9 of the high school football season, and, at least in the Augusta area, things are starting to get back to normal.
We have more football on a Friday night than we’ve seen in the last four weeks, and the games are more impactful than ever.
Here’s a look at the top five games we’re watching this week.
Lakeside (7-0, 5-0) at Brunswick (6-1, 5-0)
The Matchup: Traveling almost 200 miles to South Georgia on a Friday night to face a top-40 ranked opponent, regardless of classification, is a tough enough assignment. Add to it the fact that Lakeside’s game at Brunswick will be the third game the Panthers have played in eight days, and the task becomes gargantuan. But the Panthers have shown they have more than enough offensive firepower and defensive grit to be up for the task. In an already historic season for Lakeside, it could get even more historic with a win against the Pirates in what should be considered the de-facto Region 1-AAAAA championship game. If Lakeside can find its way past Brunswick, the path toward the school’s first-ever undefeated regular season looks pretty clear with Bradwell Institute (1-5) and Statesboro (2-4) rounding out the schedule.
The Prediction: Brunswick is more than solid, but Lakeside won’t be intimidated. The only issue is, Brunswick’s legs may be fresher. That could be the difference in a tight battle. Brunswick 38, Lakeside 35.
Laney (4-2, 1-0) at Thomson (4-2, 1-0)
The Matchup: Speaking of gargantuan tasks, the Laney Wildcats have quietly put together a very solid season after beginning with some unexpected drama during their season opener. The Wildcats’ only two losses are a 7-6 opener against Westside that was stopped in the third quarter, and a 14-8 setback to one-loss Greene County on the road which is the last game Laney played — way back on Sept. 13. Thomson has benefited from having a game against Glenn Hills last week to knock off the Hurricane Helene rust. So, advantage Bulldogs there. But in a year that some might consider Thomson to be “down” a bit, Laney can’t be overlooked in this one. Both teams are finding young, previously unsung playmakers to carry the load, and Thomson has won four straight since starting the season 0-2. The winner of this game will still have to face Burke County for Region 4-AA supremacy.
The Prediction: It’s always hard to play in The Brickyard. Thomson scores late to squeak out a close one here. Thomson 27, Laney 21.
Harlem (4-1, 2-1) at Westside (6-0, 4-0)
The Matchup: Here’s a one-word reason why this game is a must-win for both these teams: Parity. That’s what we’re seeing in Region 4-AAA right now. Currently, undefeated Westside sits atop the standings. But beneath them are five teams with one-loss region records in a 9-team region, including the Patriots’ opponent Friday night. A Westside loss throws the Patriots into a 6-team logjam for first place with teams having three and four games left. A Westside win gives the Patriots a little bit of separation. Harlem won’t go quietly, despite being bit with the injury bug. But the Bulldogs’ defense will have to stop another physical, run-first opponent for the second straight week after narrowly losing to Aquinas last Friday. Jenarion Kamga is starting to play up to the hype. He’s rushed for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 10.3 yards per carry.
The Prediction: Westside is playing at a high level now, and though Harlem won’t back down, the Patriots are healthier at key positions which should give them the upper hand. Westside 30, Harlem 20.
Baldwin (2-3, 2-1) at Aquinas (3-2, 2-1)
The Matchup: It’s been more of an up-and-down, herky-jerky season for the Fightin’ Irish than, perhaps, what coach James Leonard had anticipated. Aquinas has respectable losses to Athens Academy and Westside — both undefeated teams. The offense flexed in a 42-20 win against Bryan County and then stumbled a bit, despite being victorious against Hephzibah and Harlem. Meanwhile, it’s been almost equally difficult to get a bead on the Braves who, before the pandemic, narrowly lost to the same Harlem squad Aquinas just beat before pummeling Hephzibah. The Braves’ defense has given up some points, though, so this could be a game where Aquinas quarterback Jim Franklin and his offense can showcase more of its big play ability.
The Prediction: Aquinas stays in contention for Region 4-AAA with a solid win. Aquinas 41, Baldwin 21.
Lincoln County (6-0, 1-0) at Lake Oconee Academy (5-2, 0-1)
The Matchup: It’s been a long time since a Lincoln County squad has gone this deep into the regular season without a loss. In fact, you’ll have to go back to 2015 when the Red Devils won their first eight games before a 24-3 loss to an Aquinas team that was Class A state runner up that year. The Lincolnton fan base is a proud bunch that’s used to watching state championship caliber teams, and this could be the season where the Devils get back to that perch. The last three games, starting with this one, will test them unlike any other stretch this season.
The Prediction: A solid road win sets Lincoln County up for big showdowns at Warren County and against Greene County to close the regular season. Lincoln County 42, Lake Oconee Academy 17.
